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Features

YMCA PE for home-schoolers

[JAN. 30, 2002]  Since the fall of 2000, the Lincoln Area YMCA has been organizing a physical education class for home-schooled children. This class fulfills the physical fitness aspects of the children’s education, while also encouraging social interaction with peers.

Each week the participants learn about character development and are taught a lesson in violence prevention. From there the YMCA teaches the kids how to properly stretch and warm up before taking part in physical activities. At every meeting the YMCA guides the participants through games and activities common to a typical PE class taught in the local school districts.

The Lincoln Area YMCA is trying to help you build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

New nurse ... Brummet

[JAN. 29, 2002]  Sandra Brummet, a board-certified nurse practitioner, joined the staff of the Rural Health Partnership’s mobile health unit, beginning the first of the year. Brummet works with Logan County Health Department staff Debbie Hoover, Ruth Freeman and Pam Clark on the mobile unit that serves 13 locations in Logan County and Greenview in Menard County.

The Rural Health Partnership is a grass-roots effort involving five Logan County organizations: Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Family Medical Center, the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, the Logan County Health Department and Logan-Mason Mental Health. It was established to address the limited access to health care in rural communities.

Prior to the Rural Health Partnership, the Logan County Health Department sent nurses out to rural areas once a month. The nurses set up their "clinic" on a card table in a fire station or city hall and provided immunizations and other limited health and education services. Lack of facilities, equipment and privacy limited the services these nurses could provide.

The mobile health unit brings services to people who have difficulty getting to a hospital or doctor’s office. The 36-foot unit contains two fully equipped exam rooms, lab equipment, computer/fax, telephones, TV/VCRs for patient education, and is pre-wired for future telemedicine use.

By adding a nurse practitioner to offer primary health care services, and by increasing the location and frequency of visits to communities, health services available to rural residents in their communities have greatly increased.

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No appointments are necessary, and a lift makes the unit accessible to the disabled.

The mobile health unit has proven a special benefit to seniors, mothers of young children and those who lack transportation to other towns to seek regular preventive health care services.

Brummet, who graduated from St. John’s School of Nursing, received a postgraduate degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago as a family nurse practitioner. She has been employed as a registered nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association of Illinois since 1993.

[Sandy Brummet]

"Sandy is a welcome addition to the mobile health unit team," said Dayle Eldredge, director of the Rural Health Partnership. "Logan County is very fortunate to have a wonderful professional and caring nursing staff who are conveniently accessible," added Eldredge.

Anyone interested in touring the mobile unit is highly encouraged to do so and can call Dayle Eldredge at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 409, to make arrangements.

[News release]

Rural Health van here to stay

Healthy Communities Partnership
gives report to the community

[JAN. 25, 2002]  The Rural Health van, sometimes called "the corn bus" because of the mural painted on the outside, is here to stay, according to Dayle Eldredge, Healthy Communities Partnership coordinator.

[Click here to view more pictures]

"We get to keep the bus. We don’t have to send it back to Washington, D.C. The federal grant has been finalized," she told the group that assembled to hear HCP’s fifth annual January report to the community. "We have fulfilled all the requirements under the grant, and as long as we continue to do the services for which the grant was awarded, we keep the van."

[Dayle Eldredge, Healthy Communities Partnership coordinator and director of the Rural Health Partnership Task Force, speaks at the fifth annual January Report to the Community.]
[All photos by Bob Frank]

That announcement was just some of the news Logan County community members heard on Thursday at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Other news was that a new task force, the Senior Issues Task Force, has been formed, bringing to five the task forces under the umbrella of the HCP that are working to improve life in Logan County.

The audience also heard a presentation from Lincoln Police Chief Rich Montcalm about an innovative program geared for young children, called "Kids and Cops Can Measure Up to the Top with Violence Prevention."

[Lincoln Police Chief Rich Montcalm (right) explains the department’s innovative program, “Kids and Cops Can Measure Up to the Top with Violence Prevention,” while officer Tim Butterfield runs the projector.]

Only three other police departments in Illinois have a similar program, and it has now become a model for other communities. "Police departments from other places are calling us, and we are sharing our information with them," Montcalm said. "We will mail out our whole curriculum and tell other departments where we get our videotapes and other classroom materials."

Most violence prevention programs start with older students, but "Kids and Cops" begins working with kindergarten students and continues through fourth grade. At this age, Montcalm said, children tend to remember what they have learned. The program is now in its fourth year and includes all District 27 schools, Carroll Catholic, Chester-East Lincoln and West Lincoln-Broadwell.

In kindergarten, children learn that it is OK to disagree, but there is a right way to do it. In first grade, they learn about making and keeping friends. By second grade, they are taught to understand how fights start and how to say no to bullies. This is the age when bullying begins, Montcalm said.

Third graders learn about working together to solve problems by creating a project with only limited materials. They also create "commercials" about stopping violence, which will be shown on Log-On TV, The Fak’s Machine and other community outlets.

Fourth graders learn the importance of cooperation, using "buddy walkers" to help them get through a maze. Montcalm said he plans to extend the program to home-schooled students soon and is hoping to take it into other Logan County schools that would like to include it in their curriculum.

Debby Cook of the Logan County Health Department, a director of the Domestic Abuse and Violence Task Force, outlined some of the programs that task force is providing for victims of domestic violence. These include proving cell phones to those under orders of protection and police escorts when victims need help getting to a Springfield shelter.

The task force is also working on getting affordable legal assistance in matters such as child custody or divorce, helping to train police officers to deal with domestic abuse and violence, and putting up a billboard and notices to let those who are victims know that help is available.

Cook also presented an award to Lincoln Daily News from the Illinois Public Health Association "for excellence in public health reporting on the Internet."

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[Joan Crabb of Lincoln Daily News accepts a plaque
from Debby Cook from the Illinois Public Health Association for reporting on health and other
community issues.]

Marcia Dowling of the Logan County Health Department, a director of the Healthy Families Task Force, reported on that group’s work The Baby-Think-It-Over program, teaching youngsters how much responsibility a baby really is, went to Lincoln Community High School, as well as to eighth-graders at Chester-East Lincoln, West Lincoln-Broadwell, Hartsburg-Emden and Lincoln Junior High School in 2001.

Other programs include parent education classes for both teen mothers and fathers, a resource person for pregnant teens and teen mothers, a support group for grandparents raising grandchildren, Safe Stop homes and businesses for children who need help on their way to or from school, and a YMCA mentoring program.

Eldredge reported that the Rural Health Partnership has 120 volunteers this year, and that these volunteers have a "telephone tree" to keep in touch with people in rural areas. She told the audience that the Rural Health Van is again fully staffed and introduced staff members Sandy Brummett, RN and CFNP; Debbie Hoover, RN; and Pam Clark, RN.

Kristi Simpson of Logan Mason Mental Health reported on the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Task Force’s work with seventh- and eighth-graders in Logan County. A 10-session life skills program goes to District 27 schools, as well as Carroll Catholic, Chester-East Lincoln, West Lincoln-Broadwell, Mount Pulaski, New Holland-Middletown, Hartsburg-Emden and Elkhart.

A favorite program uses the DUI goggles, which youngsters wear to get an idea of the way people see when they have an .08 percent alcohol blood level. Youngsters learn how difficult it is to walk along a straight line while wearing the goggles.

[Terry Storrer of Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, Curtis Sutterfield of the Lincoln Salvation Army  and Fire Chief Bucky Washam shared a table at the HCP presentation.]

She also thanked Terry Storrer and Emergency Services and Disaster Agency for their help with the mock car crash, showing young people what can happen when drivers are impaired.

Simpson said this is the second year for victim impact panels. People on probation for DUI offenses are required to attend the panel to hear the stories of those who have been involved in accident with injuries and fatalities. Simpson thanked George Murphy of Jacksonville and Barbara Banfield of Decatur for coming to Lincoln often to take part in these panels.

The first priority of the brand-new Senior Issues Task Force is to determine exactly what the needs of seniors in the community are, said task force director Linda Marini. She said she is working with ESDA and law enforcement agencies to identify those shut-ins who have special medical needs so they can be helped in case of emergency. She called for volunteers to become involved when the task force begins its work in March of this year.

In closing, Eldredge called for community members to continue their support for the HCP. "Healthy Communities partnership is a model program in Illinois, but not a model to put on a shelf to collect dust. It is a living and breathing organism to improve the health and quality of life of all in Logan County."

She said 99 percent of its funding comes from state grants, and Illinois now needs to cut expenditures. "If grants are eliminated, the fine work we have done will be in jeopardy. I challenge you to consider what you as an agency or as an individual can do to assist HCP.

"People make the difference. People working together can move a mountain."

[Joan Crabb]

Illinois Department of Public Health is prepared for natural disasters, terrorism

[JAN. 19, 2002]  Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 destroyed the World Trade Center in New York, damaged the Pentagon and killed about 3,000 people, the Illinois Department of Public Health, local health departments, health professionals and others have received questions from the public about the possibility of bioterrorism and ways to protect themselves. The following "frequently asked questions" were developed to answer some of those inquiries. People also should consider contacting their local health department, physician or local emergency preparedness office for additional information.

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the federal government are not recommending any specific bioterrorism-related precautions. However, in the event of a natural (for example, tornado, flood or earthquake) or man-made disaster, lives can be saved if people are prepared for the emergency. Every family should have the following emergency supplies on hand:

•  A battery-powered radio and a flashlight, with extra batteries for each

•  Bottled drinking water — one gallon per day per person, with a three- to seven-day supply recommended

•  Canned or sealed package foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking, and a can opener

•  A blanket or sleeping bag for each family member

•  First-aid kit, including any special prescription medications, such as insulin or heart tablets

•  Toilet paper and paper towels

•  Extra set of car keys, and a credit card, cash or traveler’s checks

•  Special items for infant (disposable diapers), elderly or disabled family members

•  Extra eyeglasses, and contact lenses and supplies

For more information, please refer to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Surviving Disasters: A Citizen’s Emergency Handbook.

Preventing an attack is the job of law enforcement — the FBI, state and local police, and other law enforcement agencies.

If an attack should occur, IDPH has developed plans to minimize the risk and to treat those who may become ill. Working closely with other federal and state agencies, including local health departments, hospitals, laboratories and law enforcement, and with doctors, nurses, paramedics and other medical personnel, IDPH has implemented an enhanced surveillance system that is constantly on guard for unusual clusters of disease. In the past two years, more than 1,000 medical and public health personnel have been trained to identify diseases that could be caused by bioterrorists.

If a cluster is detected, public health is prepared to move quickly to identify the disease and its possible source. Public health information, treatment options and other advice would be provided to the public through the news media. Keep in mind, however, that an attack may not be obvious for days to weeks, depending on the incubation period of the disease.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is part of the Governor’s Illinois Terrorism Task Force. This task force would direct a coordinated effort among law enforcement, fire departments, emergency management, public health and other agencies at the local, state and federal level in the event of a bioterrorist attack.

According to the FBI, you should look for certain indicators. For example, check the postmark to see if it was mailed from a foreign country. Also check for no return address and for restrictive markings such as "personal" or "confidential." Look for misspelled words or incorrect title. Suspect letters or packages may be rigid or bulky and have excessive tape or string around them. They may exhibit a strange odor.

•  Do not shake or empty contents of any suspicious envelope or package; DO NOT try to clean up powders or fluids.

•  Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.

•  If you do not have a container, then cover the envelope or package with anything (e.g. clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) available and do not remove this cover.

•  Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.

•  Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face or skin.

•  If you are at home, then report the incident to local police. If you are at work, report the incident to local police and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.

•  If possible, list all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to both the local police and local public health authorities for follow-up investigation and advice.

•  Remove heavily contaminated clothing and place in a plastic bag that can be sealed. Give the bag to law enforcement personnel.

•  Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or disinfectant on your skin.

There are no vaccines recommended for the general public.

The U.S. has an anthrax vaccine that was licensed in 1970 and has been mandated for all U.S. military personnel; the vaccine is not available commercially. Between now and 2005, members of the military between the ages of 18 and 65 will receive a six-shot series of anthrax vaccine. For additional information, consult the current U.S. Public Health Service’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations on anthrax vaccination.

Anthrax is a disease caused by an organism acquired following contact with an infected animal or contaminated animal product or following the intentional release of anthrax spores as a biological weapon. In a bioterrorist attack, health authorities are concerned about anthrax spores being released into the air where they can be breathed in a person’s lungs. Anthrax is not spread person to person. The last reported case of anthrax in Illinois was in 1960.

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Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.

Symptoms of disease usually develop within seven days of exposure, depending on how the disease was contracted, with most cases occurring within 48 hours of exposure. However, incubation periods of up to 60 days are possible.

•  Cutaneous: Most (about 95 percent) anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within one to two days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20 percent of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. Deaths are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

•  Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. After the onset of symptoms, inhalation anthrax is usually fatal. Early antibiotic treatment of disease before onset of symptoms increases the chances for survival.

•  Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25 percent to 60 percent of cases.

Should I have a supply of antibiotics?

There are numerous germs a bioterrorist may use in an attack: anthrax, botulism, cholera, plague, Q fever, salmonella, smallpox, tularemia and viral hemorrhagic fever. Many antibiotics are effective for a variety of diseases, but there is no antibiotic effective against all diseases. Keeping a supply of antibiotics poses other problems because there is a limited shelf life before they lose their strength. There is currently no justification for taking antibiotics. Antibiotics should be taken only with medical supervision.

The federal government has stockpiled antibiotics for large-scale distribution in the event of a bioterrorist attack. Known as the CDC’s National Pharmaceutical Stockpile, it was designed to ensure the availability and rapid deployment of life-saving pharmaceuticals, antidotes, other medical supplies and equipment to any U.S. location in the event of a terrorist attack involving a biological or chemical agent.

As the result of a successful worldwide effort to eradicate smallpox, smallpox vaccine was removed from the commercial market in 1983. Routine vaccinations were stopped in the United States in 1972 because many people experienced side effects and there was almost no risk of getting smallpox. The United States Public Health Service maintains an emergency stockpile of approximately 15 million doses of smallpox vaccine, and the federal government has recently announced plans to accelerate production of a new smallpox vaccine.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would recommend vaccination only if there was clear evidence that the disease had resurfaced and people in the U.S. were at risk of acquiring infection. For more information, consult the current U.S. Public Health Service’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations on smallpox vaccination.

Probably not. Vaccination has been shown to wear off in most people after 10 years, but may last longer if the person has been successfully vaccinated on multiple occasions. If health authorities determine you have been exposed to smallpox and are at risk of infection, they would recommend that you be re-vaccinated immediately.

Smallpox is a disease caused by the variola virus. It can be easily spread from person to person, and transmission usually occurs only after the patient develops a fever and rash. After the incubation period, the patient experiences high fever, malaise, headache and backache. Severe abdominal pain and delirium are sometimes present. The last naturally acquired case of smallpox in the world occurred in October 1977 in Somalia; the last cases recorded in Illinois were recorded in 1947.

All known variola virus stocks are held under security at the CDC or at the State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology in Russia.

No. A mask would offer some protection only if you were wearing it at the exact moment that a bioterrorist attack occurred. Most likely, a release of a biological agent would be done without anyone’s knowledge. To wear a mask at all times, or just in case of a bioterrorist attack, is impractical, if not impossible.

(Sources: Illinois Department of Public Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Defense and Johns Hopkins University Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies)

You can find further information on the Illinois Department of Public Health home page (http://www.idph.state.il.us/home.htm) and via their bioterrorism preparedness home page  (http://www.idph.state.il.us/
Bioterrorism/bioterrorismhome.htm).

[Illinois Department of Public Health]

Health Matters

A monthly feature from  Logan County Health Department

January is Cervical Cancer
Awareness Month

[JAN. 3, 2002]  What is cervical cancer? Cancer of the cervix is a very common kind of cancer in women. The disease occurs when cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the cervix — the opening of the uterus (the womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cancer of the cervix usually grows slowly over a period of time. Before cancer develops, cervical tissues change, and cells that are not normal begin to appear. This condition is called dysplasia.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? Since there are usually no symptoms associated with cancer of the cervix, a woman must be sure that her health-care professional does an important test, called the Pap smear, to look for it. The Pap smear is done by a health-care professional, using a piece of cotton, a brush or a small wooden stick to gently scrape the outside of the cervix to pick up cells that can be examined under a microscope.

Are there risk factors for developing cervical cancer? According to the National Cancer Institute, strong risk factors include early age at first intercourse, a history of multiple sexual partners, genital human papillomavirus or other sexually transmitted disease, the presence of other genital tract cancers, and prior squamous intra epithelial lesion (abnormal cells). Women 60 years of age and older are at greater risk for cervical cancer since they are less willing or able to seek medical care for screening or treating cervical cancer. Other risk factors may include active or passive ("second-hand") smoking, poor nutrition, and a current or past sexual partner with risk factors for sexually transmitted disease, immunodeficiency or HIV positivity.

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Women who meet income and age eligibility may qualify for free Pap smears and pelvic exams through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. If the woman lives in Logan, Mason, Menard, DeWitt, Piatt, Macon, Sangamon, Cass, Morgan or Shelby counties, she should call 1 (800) 269-4019 for more information. If a woman lives in another county in Illinois, she should call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Women’s Health Helpline at 1 (888) 522-1282 for information on the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

[Logan County Health Department news release]

Lincoln Park District

Lincoln Park District notes

[JAN. 3, 2002]  We have a busy winter season lined up for young people and adults as well.  For the youth we are going to offer crafts, tumbling and tennis lessons.

Mrs. Judy Awe will teach rubber stamping and embossing on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 9 to 11 a.m.  Learn how to make various types of cards for your friends and family and decorate a gift bag or note pad.

Mrs. Awe will return on Saturday, Feb. 9, with the focus being on needlepoint on plastic canvas.  Make your initial or a bookmark. A choice of shapes and styles will be offered.

There is a slight charge for each craft session, and a separate registration is required for each one.

We will also offer tumbling. Emily Navarra will be our instructor. All sessions will be on Saturdays, beginning Jan. 12, and continuing for six weeks.  Emily will offer beginner and intermediate sessions.  In order to qualify for the intermediate level you must have completed the beginner session at the Lincoln Park District.  Grade and level determine class times.  More information is available at the front desk.

Tennis lessons are served up for five weeks, starting Saturday, Jan. 19. Erinn McFadden is our winter tennis instructor. You will need to bring your own racket. Sessions are designed for beginners, and those with limited playing skills will benefit as well.  Lessons are available for people in kindergarten through adults. For school-age students, class time is determined by grade level.

We are also working on several programs for adults.

Our popular Senior Stride & Social began Jan. 2.  For people who have a membership there is no charge to come and walk indoors.  For nonmembers we lower the daily fee to $1.  A senior citizen is defined as anyone over the age of 60.

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On Jan. 14 and again on Feb. 15 free bone-density screenings will be available in the back sports complex.  On these two days there will be no daily fee for the seniors.  Logan County Health Department, in conjunction with ALMH, will conduct the screenings.  Healthy refreshments will also be provided.

Our aerobics schedule has undergone a few changes.  Those of you interested in a great exercise routine can stop at the desk for a new schedule or give us a call.  With 21 sessions a week we are sure there is a time slot to match your schedule.  Class offerings range from the first-time participant to advanced.

Synonymous with ceramics at the Lincoln Park District is Scotty Hinman. Scotty fires up the kiln starting Monday, Jan. 7. She has a great stock of greenware to choose from and is willing to give you advice on how to achieve the best results.  Scotty plans to offer class sessions at several different times to make it convenient for you.

Some of our new adult class offerings that are in the planning stages are arts and crafts and horticulture and floriculture. Rene Sisk and Andrea Niehaus will spearhead our arts and crafts sessions. Lori Paige, owner of Bee’s Floral & Landscaping, will be our instructor for horticulture and floriculture. Watch Lincoln Daily News for further information about dates and times for these classes or call Lincoln Park District at 732-8770.

Red Cross

[JAN. 29, 2002]  The local Red Cross office has received word that due to the funeral service of Mrs. Fricke at the Mount Pulaski Christian Church, the blood drive scheduled there for Wednesday, Jan 30, will be at the American Legion in Mount Pulaski instead. The drive is from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

[JAN. 24, 2002]  In February, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. will sponsor two Red Cross blood drives at the Lincoln Sports Complex. On Feb. 6, hours will be from noon until 5 p.m. The Feb. 20 hours will be from noon until 6 p.m.

Anyone who would like to make an appointment may call (800) 728-3543, but walk-ins are always welcome.

During January, the following donors reached goals:  Emil J. Moos Jr., 22 gallons; Mark Seggelke, 18; Karen E. Lovelace, 14; George Alan Pegram, 10; Sharon Pierce, five; and Patricia K. Huffer, two gallons.

Events

January 2002

Wednesday, Jan. 30
SPONSOR: American Red Cross
WHO: Public
WHAT: Blood drive
WHERE: Mount Pulaski American Legion (Note: This is a change of location.)
WHEN: 11 am to 5 pm

Thursday, Jan. 31
SPONSOR: American Red Cross
WHO: Public
WHAT: Blood drive
WHERE: Atlanta Christian Church
WHEN: noon to 6 pm

February 2002

Tuesday, Feb. 5
SPONSOR: Asperger Syndrome Support and Awareness of Central Illinois
WHAT: Presentation by Professor Gail Richard of Eastern Illinois University: "Talking through Asperger’s disorder with your adolescent and other teen issues"
WHERE: Springfield Lincoln Library, Carnegie Hall North, corner of Seventh and Capitol, Springfield
WHEN: 6:45-8:30 pm

Thursday, Feb. 14
SPONSOR: Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
WHO: Public
WHAT: Love Your Heart seminar; event is free of charge
WHERE: ALMH, lower level 
WHEN: Open from 7:30 am to 1 pm

March 2002

Thursday, March 7
SPONSOR: Logan County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee
WHO: Public; by preregistration. Call 1 (800) 407-4557.
WHAT: Life Line Screening; tests for stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis
WHERE: St. John United Church of Christ, 204 Seventh St.

Honors & Awards

[JAN. 9, 2002]  Dolan Dalpoas, director of quality management and rehabilitation services for Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, successfully completed the Board of Governor’s Examination in Healthcare Management administered by the American College of Healthcare Executives. The examination focuses on areas of healthcare management including governance, marketing, human resources, finance, facility, information systems and government regulations.

ACHE, an international professional society of nearly 30,000 healthcare executives, is known for its prestigious credentialing and educational programs and its annual Congress on Healthcare Management, which draws more than 4,000 participants. ACHE conducts groundbreaking research on career development and public policy programs. ACHE’s publishing division, Health Administration Press, is one of the largest publishers of books and journals on all aspects of health services management, including the Journal of Healthcare Management and Healthcare Executives. In addition, ACHE publishes textbooks used for college and university courses. Through such efforts, ACHE works towards its goal of improving the health status of society by advancing healthcare leadership and management excellence.

In addition to passing the examination applicants must meet other eligibility requirements.  Dalpoas’ qualifications include: a master’s degree in public health from the University of Illinois at Springfield; three years of health care management experience; 20 hours of continuing education; participation and leadership in health care and community-civic affairs; and two references from ACHE members.

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As a result of passing the examination and meeting the other eligibility requirements, Dalpoas was assured all rights and privileges of Diplomate status with ACHE. He is now board certified in healthcare management and can use the distinction of Certified Healthcare Executive.

In 2000, Dalpoas received the Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award, which recognizes ACHE affiliates who have significantly contributed toward the advancement of healthcare management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE.

 “Having board certified professionals on our staff, ensures that ALMH is providing the finest healthcare leaders to the community in which we serve,” states Woody Hester, president and chief executive officer at ALMH and a Fellow with ACHE. According to Dalpoas, the program has provided him with knowledge that can be applied to current everyday responsibilities within the hospital. “I am able to utilize a hands-on approach and apply what I have studied to better serve the needs of our patients,” stated Dalpoas. 

Dalpoas began working at ALMH in December of 1990, on a part-time basis in the Rehabilitation Department while he attended Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y., on an ALMH health care scholarship. After graduation in May of 1994, he began his professional career as a staff physical therapist at ALMH.

[ALMH news release]

Announcements

Health care career scholarship applications available

[JAN. 26, 2002]  Applications for the Dwight F. Zimmerman Scholarship, sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation, are currently available.

Applicants must be seniors graduating from Lincoln Community High School, Mount Pulaski High School, Olympia High School, Hartsburg-Emden High School, Delavan Community High School or Illini Central High School, or students currently attending Lincoln College.

All applicants who are chosen as finalists to interview with the scholarship selection committee will receive an award to be applied directly toward tuition, fees and books. The two top applicants will receive scholarships of $1,500. Other finalists will be awarded $500 scholarships.

Applications are available in the guidance offices of the above-listed schools. Applications are to be submitted to the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation, 315 Eighth St., Lincoln, IL 62656. The deadline to submit an application for the Zimmerman scholarship is April 5. For more information, call the foundation office at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 405.

People wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund may send their contributions to the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation, 315 Eighth St., Lincoln, IL 62656.

[News release]

Stroke prevention screening

[JAN. 18, 2002]  Life Line Screening will be in Lincoln on Thursday, March 7.

Life Line Screening is a mobile health service that screens for stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and osteoporosis. This local opportunity for screening, sponsored by Logan County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, will be at St. John United Church of Christ, 204 Seventh St.

Using ultrasound and Doppler equipment, Life Line Screening can view the arteries. The first test views the carotid arteries, where 75 percent of strokes originate, looking for plaque buildup. A second test checks the aortic vessel in the abdomen for a breakdown in the lining of the vessel. This is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm. A third test, called an ABI, is performed to screen the lower extremities for plaque buildup, known as peripheral arterial disease. This disease is directly linked to coronary heart disease.

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The fourth test, for osteoporosis, screens for abnormal bone mass density. This disease is painless and silent in its early stages.

Results are read by a board-certified physician and mailed within 10 business days.

Fees are as follows: stroke-carotid screening, $40; abdominal aortic aneurysm, $40; peripheral vascular disease, $40; or the complete vascular screening, including all three of the preceding tests, $99. Osteoporosis screening is $35. All four tests are available for $125.

Pre-registration is required. Call 1 (800) 407-4557.

More information is available on the Internet: http://www.lifelinescreening.com/
Default.asp?Page=Screenings

[News release]

The Rural Health Partnership has announced the schedule for its mobile health unit for 2002.

For more information on the mobile health unit schedule and services, contact Dayle Eldredge at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 409.

This family resource list to save and use is provided by the Healthy Communities Partnership (732-2161, Ext. 409) and the Healthy Families Task Force.         

Resources for Logan County families

Agency	Phone number	Address
911	911 (Emergencies) 732-3911 (Office -- non-emergency)	911 Pekin St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital	732-2161	315 Eighth St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Aging (Department of)	785-3356	421 E. Capitol, #100 Springfield, IL 62701-1789
American Cancer Society	546-7586 (24 hour)	1305 Wabash, Ste. J Springfield, IL 62704
American Red Cross	732-2134 1-800-412-0100	125 S. Kickapoo Lincoln, IL 62656
Catholic Social Services	732-3771	310 S. Logan Lincoln, IL 62656
Chamber of Commerce	735-2385	303 S. Kickapoo St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Community Action (CIEDC)	732-2159	1800 Fifth St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Community Child Care Connection	525-2805 1-800-676-2805	1004 N. Milton Ave. Springfield, IL 62702-443
Crisis Pregnancy Center	735-4838	513 Pulaski St. Lincoln, IL 62656
DCFS (Department of Children & Family Services)	735-4402 1-800-252-2873 (crisis hotline)	1100 Keokuk St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Heartland Community College GED Program	735-1731	620 Broadway St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Hospice Care of Illinois	1-800-342-4862 (24 hour) 732-2161, Ext. 444	720 N. Bond Springfield, IL 62702
Housing Authority	732-7776 732-6312 (24 hour)	1028 N. College St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program	735-2317 1-800-269-4019	LCHD - 109 Third St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Illinois Department of Public Health	782-4977	535 W. Jefferson Springfield, IL 62761
Illinois Employment and Training Center (replaces JTPA office)	735-5441	120 S. McLean St., Suite B Farm Bureau Building Lincoln, IL 62656
Legal Assistance Foundation	(217) 753-3300 1-800-252-8629	730 E. Vine St., Ste. 214 Springfield, IL 62703
Library - Atlanta	(217) 648-2112	100 Race St. Atlanta, IL 61723
Library - Elkhart	(217) 947-2313	121 E. Bohan Elkhart, IL 62634
Library - Lincoln	732-8878	725 Pekin St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Library - Mount Pulaski	792-5919	320 N. Washington Mount Pulaski, IL 62548
Lincoln Area YMCA	735-3915	319 W. Kickapoo St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Lincoln/Logan Food Pantry	732-2204	P.O. Box 773 Lincoln, IL 62656
Lincoln Parents’ Center	735-4192	100 S. Maple Lincoln, IL 62656
Lincoln Park District	732-8770	1400 Primm Rd. Lincoln, IL 62656
Logan County Department of Human Services (Public Aid)	735-2306	1550 Fourth St., P.O. Box 310 Lincoln, IL 62656
Logan County Health Department	735-2317	109 Third St., P.O. Box 508 Lincoln, IL 62656
Logan Mason Mental Health	735-2272 1-888-832-3600 (crisis line)	304 Eighth St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Logan-Mason Rehabilitation Center	735-1413	760 S. Postville Dr. Lincoln, IL 62656
Oasis (Senior Citizens of Logan County)	732-6132	501 Pulaski St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Project READ	735-1731	620 Broadway St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Salvation Army	732-7890	1501 N. Kickapoo Lincoln, IL 62656
Senior Services of Central Illinois	732-6213 1-800-252-8966 (crisis line)	109 Third St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Sojourn Shelter & Service Inc.	732-8988 (217) 726-5200 (24-hour hotline)	1800 Westchester Blvd. Springfield, IL 62704
U. of I. Division of Specialized Care for Children	524-2000 1-800-946-8468	421 S. Grand Ave. West, 2nd Floor Springfield, IL 62704
U. of I. Extension Service	732-8289	122 S. McLean St. Lincoln, IL 62656

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